The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, has criticised the conduct of National Democratic Congress (NDC) executives during the one-week observance of the late Akwatia MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi.
According to him, the NDC delegation, led by National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, appeared in outfits he described as “inappropriate” for a solemn occasion of mourning.
In an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Nana Boakye expressed disappointment, stressing that cultural and social norms demand that mourners dress in ways that reflect respect and solidarity with the bereaved family.
He specifically cited Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande, who wore brown, and NDC parliamentary candidate for Akwatia, Bernard Baidoo, who appeared in pink or white. He also pointed out that former Deputy Sports Minister and NDC National Organiser, Joseph Yamin, attended in camouflage trousers and a T-shirt.
“Were they serious about attending a funeral? When they went to the funeral of Omane Boamah and the victims of the helicopter crash, were they in brown? This was not a show of respect,” Nana Boakye remarked.
He further alleged that Asiedu Nketia was seen making gestures “as if to cut off someone’s head,” which drew protests from some mourners who felt disrespected by the delegation’s conduct.
Nana Boakye argued that the appearance of the NDC executives seemed unplanned, “as if they had suddenly remembered to pass through the funeral grounds to avoid backlash.”
He added that when the NPP attended the funeral of the helicopter crash victims, which included five NDC members, they observed full decorum and dressed appropriately.
While stressing that no one physically attacked the NDC delegation, the NPP National Organiser maintained that their behaviour and choice of attire were “highly inappropriate” for the one-week observation of a former Member of Parliament.
He noted that the conduct of some NDC executives fell short of this standard, which he considered disrespectful to the memory of the deceased and insensitive to the grieving family.
The one-week observance, held at Akyem Wenchi in the Eastern Region, drew mourners from across the political divide, as well as friends and family members, who gathered to honour his memory.
Meanwhile, a by-election to choose his successor has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Source: Gertrude Otchere
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